The dream is always the same. I’m gently floating down a babbling brook on a very large leaf. The sun overhead has me feeling very relaxed and sleepy. And then *SPLAT*! I’ve been shot with a water cannon. The icy blast pulls me out of my wonderful daydream. So much for relaxation but such is the life of this Pirate Mom.
The weather is really warming up and the family and I are in summer mode. That means lots of H2O and if I have it my way, lots of lazy rivers. We have some great places locally to get your floating fix while the kids splash and race down water slides with their friends.
Calypso Bay water park is right off Southern Blvd and quite literally in Wellington’s backyard. It is a marvelous splash pad/playground for the littles, two intense water slides for older kids, and, of course, a lazy river. Shaded picnic tables are available. You can bring a cooler or grab a bite at their concession stand. When my kids were little we were here all the time.
Adults 12 and up are $16.00, children 3 to 11 years old are $12.00, toddlers ages 1 and 2 years old are $7.00, and infants are free. Also, if you go after 3 pm the regular admission is $2.00 off on adults and children AND the summer camps are usually gone or on their way out- BONUS! During the summer, the camps are always there but Calypso Bay is really good at monitoring how many come in and how long they stay.
And if we are talking about water parks and lazy rivers we can’t forget The Rapids. This is a bit of a drive from Wellington but it’s worth it. If you have pre-teens or teens, this is the place for them. There are a myriad of water slides to choose from, a wave pool, something called Flow Rider and… ahhh… a lazy river. It’s a fairly large water park and the camps are usually out in full force but there’s more space than Calypso Bay AND you can reserve a cabana. The ticket price is more – weekdays it’s $49.99 if you purchase online and on weekends it’s $59.99. It’s a bit of a splurge but well worth it.
Whatever you do, I hope you get to enjoy everything that makes summer great. And hey, if all else fails, bust out the kiddy pool in the backyard, get out your inner tube, and have the kids shoot you with the garden hose.
Do you have a friend who seems to have a never-ending supply of energy? Annoying aren’t they? But seriously, do you ever wonder how they manage it? Cracking the secret to a bountiful supply of energy is a code worth cracking, wouldn’t you say? So here are some practical tips for increased energy.
Eat Breakfast.
I am sure you have heard this so many times before but I’m going to say it again; EAT BREAKFAST! If you are the type who loves to start their day with a large cup of coffee, then I can pretty much guarantee that a few hours later the crash will happen leaving you feeling anxious, jittery and hungry. Here’s what happens when you start the day this way. Firstly, you are correct in thinking that caffeine can suppress your appetite. So what your cup of Joe is actually doing is convincing your brain that you actually don’t need breakfast leaving you thinking that you are not the breakfast type. You are literally trying to override the feeling of hunger and long term that is not good for your overall health, energy levels and weight.
Listen, you don’t have to give up your coffee but eat a balanced breakfast with your favorite cup. If your last meal was around 6pm/7pm the night before and you get up and 6am/7am then that is 12 hours without food. If I asked you to go 12 hours without food during the day do you think a cup of coffee would suffice in giving you the energy you needed? So just because you are sleeping during that particular 12 hours between dinner and breakfast the next day it never-the-less is 12 hours without food. So break the fast and eat breakfast to set the tone for the rest of the day.
Eat regularly. So many people decide to skip a meal (often lunch) in the vain hope that they will lose weight. However, the opposite happens and of course our energy levels plummet. When we allow ourselves to get past the point of hunger our bodies will react in an instinctive way. It will try and get the quickest source of energy as possible. The body knows simple carbohydrates are the easiest form of food to take in that will convert to energy the quickest, and that my friends is sugar!
We all know the consequences of this type of energy boost; it is short lived and the energy crash in inevitable. The best way to tackle this is to eat regularly and often throughout the day. The timing will vary from person to person and will also be dictated by that day’s activity level. Rule of thumb though is to nourish your body every 3 to 4 hours.
Eat balanced. We know balance is everything in life. This totally applies to the food you are eating. Take a good look at what is going into your mouth during the day. Aim to balance your meals and snacks including high-quality protein with healthy fats and fiber-filled carbohydrates in each sitting.
Jupiter is home to one of the few remaining dog-friendly beaches in the state of Florida. Jupiter’s Town Council adopted a policy in 1989 to allow dogs on Jupiter’s beaches. Since then, the dog-friendly area has been defined as a 2.5 mile stretch between beach marker #26 at Marcinski Road and going north to beach marker #57.
This stretch of sand has become a favorite for locals and visitors alike. The dog-friendly beach offers a unique and welcoming experience for dogs to enjoy the sun, surf, and endless playtime while dog owners will find a strong sense of community.
The beach attracts a diverse group of people who share a common love for their canine companions. This shared passion creates a welcoming and friendly atmosphere where dog owners can connect, exchange stories and tips, and celebrate the joys of having four-legged friends. The dog-friendly beach has become a gathering place for dog lovers, forming a tight-knit community that enhances the overall experience for visitors.
Safety is a top priority at Jupiter’s Dog-Friendly Beach. To ensure the well-being of both dogs and their owners, the beach has implemented certain rules and regulations. Only behaved, obedient and well-socialized dogs should be brought to the beach, and owners should supervise their dogs at all times. Leash laws should be obeyed while walking to and from the off-leash beach, and dog waste must be removed to keep the beach clean. Waste bags are provided at every crossover along the beach.
There are a handful of tips that are provided by the Town of Jupiter and Friends of Jupiter Beach for proper care for dogs at the beach. Fresh water should be provided by dog owners as dogs shouldn’t drink sea water. Since prolonged exposure to the sun can be harmful, owners are encouraged to provide shade and even apply sunscreen to the nose and ears of light-skinned or short-haired breeds. Additionally, owners should be aware of beach conditions such as sea lice, jellyfish, strong tides or rip currents and take extra precautions or avoid the beach when it’s too dangerous.
The beach provides ample parking spaces, making it easy to access the shoreline. There are also restroom facilities and outdoor showers available for visitors to rinse off sand and saltwater. With these amenities in place, dog owners can fully focus on enjoying their time at the beach with their furry companions.
A paradise for both dogs and their owners, Jupiter’s Dog-Friendly Beach offers a great escape for those seeking a fun and memorable outing with their canine companions. Whether you’re a local looking for a regular hangout or a visitor exploring the wonders of south Florida, this dog-friendly beach is sure to exceed your expectations. So, grab your dog’s leash, pack some toys and a water bottle, and get ready for a day of sun, sand, and endless adventures at the beach.
Like all living things, plants need water to survive. In fact, between 80 and 95 percent of a plant’s composition is made up of water, and nearly 9 billion gallons of water are used daily to water gardens and lawns. The amount of water your garden gets can have a major impact on its growth, resistance to pests, and even the plants’ nutrients.
Since water is vital for plants to thrive, how you’re watering your garden is critical. If the plants in your garden aren’t growing right or are dying, you may be watering them wrong. Here are five mistakes you may be making and how you can fix them to grow a healthy garden!
1. Watering All Your Plants the Same
Every plant is going to need something different to help it grow. This goes for watering too. Assuming that your plants need the same amount and frequency of watering is one of the most common mistakes you can make (and a pretty easy one to fix). While you may be watering one plant in your garden just right, you may be drowning the one next to it.
Don’t rely on a phone notification to go on a watering spree for your garden. Before you start planting for the season, learn what each plant in your garden needs so you can keep it growing all season long!
2. Not Watering Enough
It’s often said that keeping up with a garden is like taking care of children. They both need consistent care and attention to help them grow strong and healthy. Fortunately, plants will tell you when their needs aren’t being met, especially when it comes to watering. Wilting, discolored, or falling leaves are a good indicator that your garden needs more water, but just to be sure, check your topsoil. If it’s dry, your plant is probably dehydrated!
As the temperatures rise in South Florida, it’s important to keep an eye on your plants to make sure they are getting enough water to grow. If you notice your plants are starting to die of dehydration, try to move it out of direct sunlight. If you have a potted plant, submerge the plant in water for about 30 minutes and then drain. Then, consider setting a reminder for yourself to check the topsoil of your plants more often.
3. Watering Your Plants Too Much
Contrary to what most people think, you can over-water your plants, and it can ruin them just as quickly as not watering them enough. Overwatering can limit or cut off oxygen supply that roots depend on to grow properly. Too much water can also lead to root rot and attract other diseases and pests to your garden.
So how can you tell if you have overwatered your plant? You may see yellowing or loss of leaves, but those can also be signs of a lack of water. One of the best ways to tell in the moment is to feel the topsoil. If your plants are looking overwatered, let the soil dry out and check the drainage holes in your pots to make sure the roots are only getting what they need. You can also take time to repot your plant with new soil.
4. Watering from Overhead
When watering your garden, your first thought was probably to invest in a watering can or to shower your garden from afar with a hose. However, watering from overhead is more wasteful and puts your plants at higher risk for contracting diseases. Instead, there is a healthier and more sustainable way to water, and that means getting up close and personal with your garden. To effectively water your plants, make sure you start at the base and shower the soil around your garden rather than the leaves of your plant!
5. Not Using Containers with Drainage Holes
When you shop for pots to house your plants, check the bottom for drainage holes – not every pot has them. Without them, water is trapped, leaving your plants at a higher risk for overwatering. If you have a pot without drainage holes, you can carefully use a drill to make them yourself. If you have a pot with a saucer underneath (usually used to keep water off of your counter), remove it. The saucer prevents proper drainage and can lead to overwatering and root rotting.
Water is one of the most basic necessities for any plant so it’s important to do it right. Whether you’re a first-time planter or a seasoned gardener, now is the time to fix those watering mistakes so you can watch your garden thrive!
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (May 18, 2023) – The South Florida Fair John Picano, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, June 9, at Mayacoo Lakes Country Club, 9697 Mayacoo Club Drive. All proceeds will benefit the South Florida Fair Scholarship and Educational Fund. Registration and a continental breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Gifts, prizes and an awards luncheon will round out the day.
The golf tournament is named in honor of the late John Picano, Jr., who served as the South Florida Fair’s public relations director for almost two decades. A respected community leader, he was an avid golfer and instrumental in the fair golf tournament’s growth and success. His memory lives on through this tournament, which provides scholarships to area students who might not otherwise be able to attend college.
“Our golf tournament is perfect for those who like to golf and help a good cause at the same time,” said Vicki Chouris, president & CEO of the South Florida Fair.
Since 1981, the South Florida Fair Scholarship Golf Classic has raised more than $800,000 in college scholarships for local youth.
The cost of a foursome is $1,200 and a single player is $275. A Fairway Package is $100, which includes 25 raffle tickets, two mulligans and an entry to the poker pot. A
Tee Ambassador (business display) is $350 and a Tee Sign is $150. Contributions to the educational fund are gratefully accepted for those who can’t attend.
The South Florida Fair is produced by the South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and has a longstanding tradition of raising funds for educational and charitable purposes. Located at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach, the 2024 South Florida Fair will kick off with its Ride-A-Thon at 5 p.m. on Jan. 11 and the full fair will be held January 12–28, 2024. For more information, call 561-793-0333 or visit the website, http://www.southfloridafair.com.
On your next family vacation, consider a trip just north of the Florida border to Georgia. A great final destination is the Stone Mountain State Park, located just east of Atlanta. Simply put, Stone Mountain State Park is family friendly and fun place to visit at any time of the year.
Upon arrival, set aside time to jump aboard Summit Skyride. This high-speed Swiss cable car transports guests more than 825 feet above ground to the top of Stone Mountain. From the top, you can see the Atlanta skyline and the Appalachian Mountains, and more up to 60 miles away. You can also walk to the top of Stone Mountain.
On your way to the top, you can see the famous Stone Mountain Memorial Carving. It features the head shots of three Confederate Civil War heroes — General Robert E. Lee, General Thomas J. ‘Stonewall’ Jackson, and former Confederate President Jefferson Davis – engraved into the mountain, which is the largest free-standing granite creation in the world.
At the Stone Mountain State Park, families will enjoy riding the Scenic Railroad, discovering Stone Mountain Museum at Memorial Hall, visiting Geyser Towers, playing at Dinotorium, walking through Dinosaur Explore, and much more.
You’ll also hear the music generated by the Carillon, the 732-bell ‘musical machine,’ which sits across Stone Mountain Lake and was a gift to the park from Coca Cola following the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City.
This park has many festivals throughout the year such as Spring Fun Break, Summer at the Rock, Pumpkin Festival, Highland Games, and Stone Mountain Christmas, among others.
Golfers in the family will be interested in the Stone Mountain Golf Club which features two championship 18-hole golf courses. They are Lakemont and Stonemont, both of which are part of the Georgia Golf Trail.
Above: Trevor May golfing at the Lakemont Course with Stone Mountain in the distance
After golf, eat at The Commons Restaurant, which is nestled alongside Stone Mountain Lake with views of nearby Stone Mountain. The menu provides many delicious Southern cuisine favorites.
Fried Green Tomatoes, served at the Commons Restaurant
As for overnight accommodations, there are three great options inside Stone Mountain State Park: Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort, The Inn at Stone Mountain Park, or the Campgound.
The Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort has luxurious accommodations and spacious suites, plus indoor and outdoor heated pools.
The Inn at Stone Mountain Park features over-sized guest rooms, spacious verandas and an outdoor courtyard swimming pool. Many of the rooms have views of Stone Mountain Lake.
Perched alongside Stone Mountain Lake, the Campground has room for RVs, pop-up tents and safari tents.
Hemorrhoids are soft fleshy lumps filled with blood vessels, similar to varicose veins, found at the end of the rectum or around the anus area. Also known as piles, they are found inside the rectum (internal) or outside (external). Although common, hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and an area of self-consciousness, but in some cases, they can prove dangerous.
Nearly three out of four American men and women will experience hemorrhoids throughout their lifetime. According to the National Institute of Health, that number increases to almost 50% over the age of 50. Although they are unlikely to pose a significant health risk, hemorrhoids are known to be unsightly, itchy, painful, uncomfortable, and can cause hygienic risks.
Luckily, advances in research and treatment offer effective options as simple as lifestyle changes and home treatments to more permanent solutions as minimal as same-day in-office procedures.
Causes
The main cause of hemorrhoids is increased pressure in the lower rectum caused by straining during bowel movements, lifting heavy objects (including weights), childbirth, obesity, and long periods on the toilet. Other causes include anal intercourse, low-fiber diets, chronic diarrhea or constipation, and normal aging due to the weakening and stretching of the tissues that support the veins in your rectum.
The likelihood of being affected by dilated veins, or hemorrhoids, in a lifetime is high, so knowing the signs and symptoms is imperative.
Signs and Symptoms
Sometimes the first sign of a hemorrhoid is simply palpation, meaning the person finds it incidentally while showering or touching near the anus. Other symptoms include itching, irritation, pain, discomfort, or swelling. However, it’s the most common sign that may have the most significant need for further evaluation.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the most widely recognized sign is bright red blood in your stool, on your toilet paper, or in your toilet. This symptom can also be associated with colon cancer.
“Rectal bleeding in the absence of an obvious external lump near the anus or rectal bleeding accompanied with a change in bowel habits, change in stool, unintended weight loss, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, or any new unexplained symptoms need further evaluation,” said fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon Dr. Kyle Eldredge who has a practice in Wellington. “Hemorrhoids do not cause colon cancer, but they share some symptoms, and there have been cases where diagnoses have been prolonged because symptoms were mistakenly dismissed as hemorrhoids.”
Treatment Options
There are many treatment options ranging from prevention to surgical removal of hemorrhoids, called hemorrhoidectomies. The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is by keeping your stools soft. This can be accomplished with high-fiber foods, plenty of fluids, fiber supplements when indicated, relieving your bowels as soon as you feel the urge, weight management, and avoiding long periods of sitting (especially on the toilet).
Seeing your doctor is helpful for learning which invasive and non-invasive treatments are an option.
“I think most people assume we will recommend a surgical procedure as the first solution, and that’s not typically the case. We consider the severity of the hemorrhoid(s) and how much it interrupts the quality of life. Most of the time, we can help with an over-the-counter medication combined with education on lifestyle changes or a non-surgical option,” adds Dr. Eldredge, who routinely treats hemorrhoids. “Some people qualify for a small office-based procedure using the CRH O’Regan System, which allows us to use gentle suction for a painless, permanent solution that takes minutes and does not require anesthesia. We really have so many newer options, including a hemorrhoidectomy when needed.”
Enlisting Help
Despite most hemorrhoids being a non-threat, there are many reasons that many people want to address them. For starters, they can get worse or bigger. In addition to sharing some symptoms with more serious diagnoses, rare but severe cases of hemorrhoids can cause anemia, strangulated hemorrhoids, and blood clots can form in thrombosed hemorrhoids, all of which can cause immense pain. Visiting an expert is the safe next step, especially if symptoms don’t improve after a week with over-the-counter remedies and lifestyle changes. Learn more about Advanced Surgical Care in Wellington, Florida, by visiting www.toplinemd.com/advanced-surgical-physicians or calling (561) 333-1335. —
We delved into Denise Marsh’s new book “Emotional Morse Code” and talked about this cathartic style of writing. Join Denise on June 8th at 6:30pm for a book reading/ signing at Village Music in Wellington, followed by live jazz. Denise would like to thank Big Ink Graphics for providing her banner for the event. To order the book “Emotional Morse Code” ahead of time, visit Amazon.com.
To read one of Denise’s poems from the book, go to “Poem of the Month” on our site.
Proms aren’t just for teenagers anymore! Senior citizens in Palm Beach County’s western communities looking for a fun-filled night out are invited to the Third Annual Glades Tri-Cities Senior Citizens Prom on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at Rosenwald Elementary School in South Bay, FL. The theme is “A Night Out in Hollywood” and KTM and the prom committee are promising a night of glitz and glamour, including a red-carpet entrance, a delicious dinner catered by Sam King, music by DJ Clean, and entertainment by comedian Cynedra Blake. The Mayors of Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay will help in selecting the prom kings and queens for their cities and retired county commissioner/founder of Glades Lives Matter, Janet B.Taylor, will select the king and queen for Clewiston.
The event is free, thanks to funding from Healthier Glades and Palm Health Foundation, who are supporting the event as a way to benefit the mental health of senior citizens by bringing them together for social engagement. Seniors may register at any senior program in the Tri-Cities or find registration forms at City Hall in Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay. Residents of Clewiston may contact Mrs. Barbara Henry at 863-228-6958.
What: Tri-City Senior Citizens Prom
Where: Rosenwald Elementary School, 1321 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., South Bay, FL 33493
When: Saturday, June 3, 2023, 7:00 p.m.
Cost/Registration: Free. Register at any senior program in the Tri-Cities or find registration forms at City Hall in Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay. Residents of Clewiston may contact Mrs. Barbara Henry at 863-228-6958.
Photo: Mr. Roosevelt Jones & Mrs. Annie Pearl Hill, former prom king and queen of Belle Glade.
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About Healthier Glades
Healthier Glades launched in the fall of 2017 in the historically underserved rural area of Palm Beach County with rich culture and agricultural assets. “The Glades” is the collective of four communities—Belle Glade, Pahokee, South Bay, and the unincorporated community of Canal Point—located in the western section of the county along Lake Okeechobee. Healthier Glades’ focus is behavioral health, with the goal for residents to thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
